On January 14, we marked a meaningful milestone in Town. Michael García, our Environmental Director, marked 17 years at Las Catalinas.
Michael has been part of Town since its earliest days. His work, and the work of the environmental and agroforestry teams he leads, has made it possible for Las Catalinas to carry out its vision of environmental stewardship as a core part of development.
From the daily care of trails, beaches, and green areas, to the responsible management of construction waste, wastewater treatment, rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge, and the maintenance of infrastructure to reduce erosion, as well as the care of our nursery and arboretum and the rescue and relocation of wildlife.
The team is also deeply involved in ongoing fire prevention and response efforts, one of the greatest challenges facing this ecosystem. This work includes the maintenance of firebreaks, the training of brigades, and responding directly to fires when necessary, always in close coordination with national and local authorities. Much of this work happens quietly behind the scenes, but its impact is deeply felt across Town.
We asked Michael if he would like to share a few words, and he kindly sent us the message below:
"This journey could not be possible without the health, strength, and guidance provided by the Almighty. To him all the praise for the accomplishment of this milestone. I am especially grateful for the blessing of raising a family with my wife, Xinia, whose love and support have sustained me throughout the years.
Thanks as well to Charles Brewer, Stuart Meddin, Tom Claugus, Bob Davey and their lovely families for the opportunity to be part of the team set out to accomplish the amazing task of creating a sustainable town from scratch – an idea that was almost unheard of in 2008. The vision resonated deeply with me from the moment it was introduced by my dear friend and mentor, Jim Berry, our first VP of Development. To don James and his family, I extend my heartfelt blessings, gratitude, and love.
My appreciation also goes to Lourdes Valverde, Jaime Rojas, Isabel Godoy, Javier Dinarte, Diego Calzada, Andrés Gonzalez, Marco Bechee, Milena Castillo, Johana Solano and Armando Gutiérrez, original staff members and cherished friends to this day. Over the years, Las Catalinas has evolved and with those changes came many new coworkers whose contributions I also deeply value. To all, past and present, I offer my warmest wishes for their lives and families.
Throughout this time, two key factors have enabled me to perform high-quality work in the pursuit of Las Catalinas vision. The first is the support of an exceptional group of professional advisors whose knowledge has been invaluable to my growth. To them, I offer my lasting admiration and appreciation: Roberto Quirós, Juan José and Roberto Echeverría, Marvin Jimmy Fernández and his wife Kattya, William Mejías, Mariano Peinador, Adrián Villegas, Vilma Ibarra, Boris Ramírez, Anneth Jiménez and José Mario Miranda.
The second factor has been the privilege of leading the Agroforestales team since 2009, a true environmental management crew. Their humility, commitment, and hard work have continuously inspired me and reminded me of what truly matters. I pray that the Lord blesses their lives and families. Thus, a special recognition goes to Jose Luis, José Armando, Maynor, Eloy, Arsenio, Donald, Francisco A, Felipe, Francisco M. I also acknowledge former team members such as Abigail, Evaristo, Efraín, Roberto, Manuel and many others, as well as newer colleagues including Freddy, Felix, Eliuth and Juan. My perennial gratitude goes to these awesome fellows.
For Las Catalinas and its community, I wish continued growth and prosperity. May this place keep providing opportunities for all-socially, environmentally and personally- for years to come, and it may stand as an example of a better way of living that can inspire others, settled in the beautiful and beloved Guanacaste, Costa Rica."
Seventeen years of consistent work continue to leave a meaningful footprint on the surrounding ecosystem. We thank Michael for his leadership, experience, and steady dedication to caring for the land we all cherish, as well as for being a dear friend and collaborator to the entire Las Catalinas team.